At the launch of a new center to study neurological diseases, Ann Romney commented on the possibility of her husband running for POTUS again in 2016:

On another matter that has been the subject of much political babbling lately — a potential third run for president by her husband — Ann Romney was happy to wave off the possibility.

“Done,” she said. “Completely. Not only Mitt and I are done, but the kids are done,” she said, referring to her five sons. “Done. Done. Done.”

Asked whether there were any circumstances under which she would encourage the former Massachusetts governor to attempt another run — or if she would support him if he wanted to run — she said she hadn’t “been pushed to that point mentally,” but that they would make the decision together.

She reeled off a long list of what she called “really interesting” potential Republican contenders, including former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Ohio Sen. Rob Portman and her husband’s 2012 choice for vice president, Rep. Paul D. Ryan of Wisconsin.

“We’re going to see a nice field shake out.”

Did she cut off any possibility of a Romney run in 2016? I was totally convinced until the section which read:

Asked whether there were any circumstances under which she would
encourage the former Massachusetts governor to attempt another run — or
if she would support him if he wanted to run — she said she hadn’t “been
pushed to that point mentally,” but that they would make the decision
together.

Nice try Ann, but according to radio host Hugh Hewitt we are looking for a Shermanesque response like, “If nominated, I will not run; if elected, I will not serve.” That wasn’t it.

In related news, Tuesday’s Washington Post described the pressure Romney is facing to run again:

Romney has huddled with prominent donors and reconnected with supporters in key states in recent months. Because of the vacuum of power within his party and the lack of a clear 2016 front-runner, confidants said Romney is grappling with this question: If drafted, would he answer the party’s call?

Further juicing the speculation was a Des Moines Register-Bloomberg News poll released over the weekend showing that Romney is the only potential 2016 candidate who would beat Hillary Rodham Clinton (D) among likely Iowa voters, 44 percent to 43 percent.

People in Romney’s vast political orbit who are waiting and wishing on him to launch another campaign said Romney has done little to quiet them and has been hazy about his plans following next month’s midterm elections.

Become a Lid Insider

Sign up for our free email newsletter, and we'll make sure to keep you in the loop.